March is Women’s History Month and on this International Women's Day we are so excited to spotlight our amazingly talented and hardworking female TB12 Body Coaches.
Read the Q&A below to learn more about TB12 Body Coaches Becca, Gabi, Felicia, Nicole, and Regan. You can book a session with them (or any of our TB12 Body Coaches) here.
Why did you choose TB12 and the PT space in general?
Becca (Boston): I grew up playing sports and had an interest in anatomy and physiology so it was a natural progression into the sports physical therapy field. At TB12, we are not just treating knee pain or back pain but looking at the whole lifestyle of a client. We have focused one-on-one time that allows us to dive deeper into nutrition, hydration, cognitive fitness, sleep, recovery, etc. and make meaningful changes in every life we touch.
Felicia (Foxboro): I have always been passionate about athletics, exercise, health, and wellness. I grew up playing sports and ran track for a few years in college, so I knew I wanted to end up working with athletes and people who prioritize their health. Playing sports and being active has given me so much joy, and at TB12 I am able to give that joy back to the clients who come in through orthopedic/sports acupuncture treatments.
Gabi (NYC): As a former high school athlete who spent A LOT of time in her athletic training room I've always loved the idea of being involved with sports. Initially, with my undergrad in Event Management, I wanted to work at large scale sporting events. When I started organizing MMA fights and had more fun taping, icing, and stitching the fighters back together I knew it was time for a career change. I feel like as an Athletic Trainer I can make a difference and there is no better feeling than seeing a patient/client get back to doing what they love!
Nicole (Location TBA): I chose TB12 because I love their mission and vision of providing a holistic, comprehensive, and personalized plan for each and every client. At TB12, each and every client is treated differently because each and every client IS different—they have THEIR own specific goals that THEY want to accomplish.
Regan (Boston): There's nothing better than helping someone reach a new level of performance! Whether an elite athlete, or weekend warrior, everyone deserves fluid, individualized, care. I chose TB12 because we are able to develop meaningful relationships, promote long-lasting personal improvement, and address performance as an ongoing process.
What is a piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Becca: Build your confidence on the work you do, the skills you have, and the outcomes you achieve. When you’ve built your confidence on these concrete ideas it is easier to ignore or let go of the doubts, insecurities, or hesitations that you may feel as a female. You will also develop a stronger voice and perspective that is needed in our current space.
Felicia: Always do what you are passionate about!
Gabi: A bit cliche but my dad said it to me once and me being a big daddy's girl, it has stuck with me since "all will work out in the end, if it's not working, it's not the end" that and telling my younger self that this is so so true. Life is absolutely bonkers and has a crazy way of working itself out.
Nicole: Become comfortable being in uncomfortable situations.Take time to reflect on why you felt uncomfortable and make actionable steps to overcome this fear. Remember, you will never grow if you live your life in your comfort zone.
Regan: Embrace unpredictability and don’t settle — be brave, stay authentic, carry yourself like you belong, and enjoy the road less traveled.
What is a challenge you've faced or overcome as a Body Coach?
Becca: Our jobs as Body Coaches are physically demanding and I feel I had to prove that I could not only handle the hands on pliability treatments, but that I was skillful in my approach. I think the first step in every career is doing the hard work and building your skills, regardless of if you are male or female, but it was important to me as one of the first female body coaches to exceed expectations.
Felicia: Acupuncture can be intimidating for people who have never tried it, so my challenge has been educating people on the vast range of benefits and on the fact that it really does not hurt. Acupuncture needles are about 1/25 the width of an injection needle, so it does not feel like getting a shot!
Gabi: Imposter syndrome is very real and it can be hard seeing all these experienced and knowledgeable Body Coaches and not question whether you belong in the same room with them. But at the same time, those very Body Coaches have been there for me and built me and my confidence up through my short time with TB12, I could not be more grateful for the support system I've been given.
Nicole: As a body coach who might not be the most physically fit, I was nervous about how I would fit in, but I was welcomed with open arms because TB12 is made for everyone! It's not about how "athletic" you are, but rather it's about living your life better!
Regan: It's all about delivery — Throughout my career, I’ve learned to encourage with energy and intensity, motivate with care and curiosity, and articulate with clear, direct and calculated words.
Tell us about a woman in the field who you look up to.
Becca: Years ago I remember seeing an article about Judy Seto and her experience as a physical therapist with the Lakers and specifically working with Kobe Bryant. I just saw a female at the height of her career working with an athlete at the height of his career and thought I could do the same. She has continued to inspire me as she builds her certifications and is now a Director of Sports Performance with the Lakers.
Felicia: I am so inspired by Allyson Felix. Not only is she the most decorated olympic track and field athlete of all time, but she also founded the company Saysh, an athletic brand that represents "hope, acceptance, and the power to create change." Allyson Felix inspires women, like myself, to pursue careers in athletics and take ownership in this predominantly male dominated field.
Gabi: Oh without a doubt in the world my former professor Dr. Erin Moore PhD, LAT, ATC, and GOAT. Both in the classroom and out she was an amazing mentor to me. She has practiced as an Athletic Trainer, been published , taught my cohort (which was a feat in itself) as well as countless others. That woman can do it all and I quite honestly wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her. I certainly wouldn't have gotten through my first or second or third (it was grad school there were many) breakdown without her.
Nicole: I recently completed my Doctorate in Athletic Training degree from Indiana State University and Dr. Lindsey Eberman is such a trailblazer in the athletic training profession. As a professor, she pushes her students to challenge the status quo and made me truly think about my mission and vision as a healthcare provider. This reflection led me to TB12 and I couldn't think of a better role model and advocate for athletic training.
Regan: I’ve been lucky enough to have many female coaches and mentors that I’ve looked up to both personally and professionally. It’s too hard to choose just one, but they all share a few common traits: they are all kind, nurturing, confident, ethical, persistent, and determined people—they’ve all made me care a little extra and work a little harder.